Our Mentors

Our mentors

Our mentors are young, adult leaders who are excited to continue learning and growing as they pay forward the guidance, support and encouragement that they received, to the next generation of youth.

"A lot of people have gone farther than they thought they could because someone thought they could" -Unknown

Jamal Grant, Founder and Director

Jamal was born and raised in Boston, MA and attended John D. O'Bryant school of Mathematics and Science. He is a recent graduate of the University of Massachusetts Lowell with a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering and currently works at MIT Lincoln Laboratory as a Mechanical/Aerospace Systems Engineer. He has strong interests in STEM education and closing the achievement gap.

Yaovi Ayeh, Mentor

Yaovi grew up in The Bronx, NY and attended college at the University of Massachusetts Lowell where he graduated with a B.S. in Electrical Engineering. He is currently an Electrical Hardware Engineer at EMC corporation. Yaovi also has strong interests in giving back to his community and spreading interest in STEM.

Janeisa Lashley, Mentor

A native of Boston, Janeisa fell in love with education as a teenager. Inspired by the work and staff of Leaders Through Educations Action and Hope (LEAH) Mentors, she received her BA in English and Communications from Boston College. Janeisa provides development and communications support to Boston Education Development Foundation, the fiscal sponsor for Boston Public Schools, and loves spending her days keeping Boston a great place to both learn and play.

Pierline Durand, Mentor

Pierline was born and raised in Boston, MA and is a graduate of The George Washington University with a degree in Organizational Sciences. She is currently a Public Company Liability Underwriter at Traveler's Insurance. Pierline enjoys sports, current events and volunteering.

Darnell Coleman, Mentor

Darnell Coleman was born and raised in Boston. He is a graduate of Boston Public School systems, and a graduate of Wentworth Institute of Technology, with a degree in Mechanical Engineering. He currently works in energy analysis, and has an interest in community development, and mentoring children of different ages.

Nishaila Porter, Mentor

Nishaila Porter is a recent graduate residing in Boston, Massachusetts. She is a graduate of the John D. O'Bryant and extended her education to Northfield Mount Hermon, where she did a post-graduate year. With a Bachelor's degree in Earth and Environmental Science from Wesleyan University, Nishaila aspires to continue contributing to the improvement of Earth's sustainability in addition to helping inner-city environmental living standards.

Lili Wondwossen, Mentor

Lili Wondwossen was born in Addis Abeba, Ethiopia and moved to Boston when she was eight years old. Lili is a graduate of Boston University with a degree in Health Science and concentration in Public Health. She currently works at State Street Corporation as a Functional specialist and plans to pursue a dual degree in MBA and MPH. Lili is passionate about maternal health care, Ethiopia and enjoys dancing!

Jesse Grant, Mentor

Jesse is a native of Boston, MA and a graduate of John D. O'Bryant High. He is currently a college student, majoring Broadcast Journalism. His history in social service includes employment as a Peer Leader for a gang-intervention program, and volunteering as an SAT prep instructor for BPS students. Providing a nurturing social-structure for inner-city kids through education-centric mentorship is his guiding principle in life.

Daria Lindsey, Mentor

Born and raised in Boston, Ma, Daria attended Hollins University in Roanoke, Va where she completed her B.A in Gender and Women's Studies. An avid supporter of centering social awareness and bringing community-based organizations to the forefront, she will continue her studies in Law with a concentration in Civil Rights. Prior experience with grassroots organizations includes heavy involvement with Diamond Girls Boston and CodePink: Women for Peace. She also served as Chair of the Feminist Majority Leadership Alliance at Hollins.

Malik Oliver, Mentor

Malik grew up in Fayetteville, NC where he studied chemistry at Fayetteville State University. He currently attends school for chemical engineering while working for MIT Lincoln Laboratory as a research assistant. With previous experience in STEM mentorship in Fayetteville, he has always had a very strong passion for giving back to his community and is excited to continue pursuing this with THE NET’s team.

Aneudy was born and raised in Boston, MA. He graduated from the John D. O'Bryant School of Math and Science and earned his undergraduate degree in Sociology from Boston University. He then went on to Harvard Graduate School of Education where he earned a Master's in Prevention Science and Practice with a concentration in Adolescent counseling. He is currently attending UMass Boston earning his license in School Counseling while also continuing to serve his community as an intern school counselor at the John D. O'Bryant high school.